Letters: tax pledge, Warren Buffett, Mideast travel and more

Amending allegiances

In response to “Some In GOP flouting ‘The Pledge’” (Politics, Nov. 27): Does this mean the GOP revision to the Declaration of Independence, i.e., “... Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of Grover Norquist ...,” will revert to the original? – Walter Carlin, Del Mar

Letters and commentary policy

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Write the check

In response to “Buffett to Congress: Raises taxes on ‘ultrarich’” (Politics, Nov. 27): If Warren Buffett thinks the federal government needs more money to spend all he has to do is start a personal self tax and write fat checks to the same. In fact any compassionate liberal U.S. citizen who wants to share their wealth can do the same. – Robert Keirsey, San Diego

Travel into tumult?

I question the choice of feature articles in this weekend’s Travel section: Egypt on the front page (“Ancient oasis,” Nov. 25) and the West Bank on the back page (“Sufi Trail: Islamic mysticism, landmarks and local history,” Nov. 25). Really? I’m going to plan my vacation in the part of the world that is in violent turmoil?

Yes, there were other hot destinations, like Springfield, Ill., in the Travel section, but it seems odd timing to have big feature stories about traveling in Egypt, where the new president is declaring absolute power and the people are protesting, or the West Bank, where increasing tension between Israel and Hamas has lead to violence. Certainly the choices from The Associated Press travel wire included more peaceful locales for your readers to enjoy and perhaps plan to actually visit. – Janet K. Miller, Clairemont

Safe-passage claim is questioned

In response to “Tuna boats became valuable recruits” (Nov. 25): Admiral Morison’s recollection that Atlantic YP Supply vessels collaborated with Nazi U-boats during World War II is hard to believe because the Nazis never allowed anyone to “safely abandon ship.” Their methods were vicious and unmerciful and at no time would they make a deal to grant safety for the American omission not to broadcast a U-boat’s position.

Such a mention to an outlandish recollection by the U-T demeans the entire article and defames the heroism and courage of San Diego veterans. – Michael A. Zolezzi, Point Loma

Hospice treatment was traumatic

My recent experience with San Diego Hospice differs greatly from what I have read [Nov. 17] in the letters to the editor in the U-T. I am aware that San Diego Hospice has a sterling reputation. In fact, I am Chair of the Department of Psychology at National University and we have had numerous students do practicum field placements at Hospice for many years.

However, my wife Dorothy of 48 years died at San Diego Hospice in Hillcrest on Oct. 3, 2012. She received terrible care during her first 2-3 hours at Hospice. She was transported from Scripps Encinitas Hospital in total comfort to San Diego Hospice, and I had been assured by the Hospice representative that her transition would be seamless and her pain medication would be monitored immediately upon her arrival.

She had been taking 7 mg of morphine IV each hour at Scripps and she was completely comfortable during the trip to Hospice. When she arrived at Hospice she received no medical care or medication for her pain and agitation for over 2 hours. By this point in time she was in great pain and distress and there seemed to be no urgency on the part of the medical staff to intervene until I demanded treatment for her pain. She was at Hospice only 18 hours before her death but she was in great discomfort for 3-4 of those hours. This experience has left a lasting traumatic memory for both myself and my daughter.

In addition, I was Dorothy’s prime caretaker for the entire 7 months and had always been able to keep her comfortable with the help of very competent medical doctors at Scripps. I had promised her before the transfer to Hospice that I would keep her comfortable which was her only wish and I was not able to keep my last promise to her due to the shabby, incompetent and indifferent treatment she received at San Diego Hospice during those first 3-4 hours. She was courageous, fearless and deserved far better during the last 18 hours of her life. I am heartbroken by what happened to her as she was the only love of my life for our almost 50 years together. – J. Roland Fleck, Valley Center

A GMO, obesity link?

As a physician practicing in San Diego for the past 25 years I appreciate this attempt to educate us on the growing obesity epidemic (“Girth of a nation: How did we get so fat?” SD In Depth, Nov. 25). I see the ill effects of obesity every day including an increased cancer recurrence rate in my obese breast cancer patients. I ask each of my cancer patients to eat healthy and exercise. I feel the diagnosis of cancer should add an incentive to participate in their health care. Healthcare providers need to practice what they preach.

Last but not least I would like to offer “food for thought”: Could GMO food have a higher obesity-promoting effect? I have no proof, but would be reassured if GMO producers could offer proof to the contrary. – James Sinclair, M.D., La Jolla

Fixing immigration

In response to “Slick immigration reform” (Opinion, Nov. 25): I have always enjoyed Ruben Navarrette’s very reasoned editorials, and he is very insightful. He is absolutely right that the Democrats in Congress do not want to support immigration reform because it would mean that they could lose this issue in coming elections.

I am a Republican, and most of my Republican friends are on the same page regarding immigration reform: We need to provide a compassionate way to handle those people who are already here illegally (nobody favors mass deportation), streamline the processes for businesses who need to hire immigrant labor, and work to ensure that immigration laws are actively enforced. Enforcing the laws will help everyone (immigrants and citizens alike).

I hope that politicians can see beyond themselves and address this without demagoguery. – Robert Mickle, Little Italy

Ruben writes a very persuasive opinion piece but ignores a very important point: You may pass all the laws you wish and reform those laws that have failed, but success will only happen if there is a will to enforce.

The last time reform was used it was supposed to end all illegal immigration. Instead it contributed to an explosion that has overwhelmed sections of our country.

We should examine those countries that have effective and reasonable immigration policies before changing our own. There is never an argument that tough enforcement of existing immigration law will encourage an increase of [unauthorized immigrants] crossing our border. Advocates of “open borders” only complain that enforcement is not fair. [Unauthorized immigrants] being rewarded in any way is neither fair nor effective in preserving the United States as beacon of opportunity and freedom. – Jim Reid, San Diego

A list of ridiculousness

In his excellent [letter published] Nov. 27, Mr. Zentmyer was far too modest in his list of torts which aggrieve the dignity of a neighborhood, such as: allowing tree branches to hang over the sidewalk, or leaving porch lights on during daylight hours, or having a children’s playhouse without having first obtained a city housing permit, and, lest we forget, owning a goldfish! – James D. Lemon, San Diego

Balky progress

In response to “Why recovery is feeble” (Opinion, Nov. 26): [Robert J.] Samuelson’s assertion that our “feeble recovery” is due to poor psychology is flawed because his argument based upon the assumption that our current recovery is sustainable.

Our current recovery is not sustainable because it is based upon government intervention through the run-up of trillions of debt, a change of banking accounting rules and artificially lowered interest rates. Financial crashes happen because people and businesses spent too much (on housing) and are supposed to liquidate bad debt, close insolvent banks, sell overpriced real estate and save money to invest in future activities that are profitable. We should have closed insolvent banks to open new ones with fresh balance sheets, written off bad personal debt and loans to start fresh, sold real estate to those that can afford it without a subsidized government loan, and allowed for market-based interest rates that would help people save money rather than inflate another real estate bubble.

Unfortunately, our own government stopped this process and never allowed our economy to fully self-correct to a sustainable future. – Evan Patrick, Mission Beach

Robert Samuelson’s editorial says this recovery is feeble because of a lack of confidence. This is not a “business cycle” recession that can be treated by Keynesian economics.

Worldwide debt has grown from roughly $90 trillion to $200 trillion in the past 12 years. This heading along with aging populations (plus negative birthrates) in all of the developed world have us between a rock and a hard place. As people are retiring in record numbers they will spend less and draw more from entitlements. Their spending is supposed to be replaced by a younger generation that will be going into their “consumer” years but they are saddled with $1 trillion of student loans to repay. So they will put off buying a home, car and probably marriage and children.

For the media to ignore these issues and say we are looking at a recovery in the near term is terribly misleading. – Dan Bellock, Vista

A creaky cartoon

Tom Meyer’s editorial cartoon (Nov. 26) made this old Democrat chuckle, but not the way the cartoonist intended.

The cartoon responds to the proposition that “Republicans are the party of the past” by saying, essentially, “Yeah, but California Democrats are old. Look at Jerry Brown and his antique hearing aid.” So the basis of humor in the cartoon is that old people have hearing problems, need walkers or a wheelchair and thus aren’t qualified for their job.

Tell me – how does insulting seniors get them to vote Republican? Could you be more clueless? And so, I laugh at the cartoon, not because of its intended humor, but because it doesn’t even realize that it’s a classic demonstration of why Republicans are the party of the past. – Drew Granston, Mira Mesa

Assessing the Sanders era in San Diego

In reading Matthew T. Hall’s column about ranking Wilson or Sanders as our best mayor ever (Conversation, SD In Depth, Nov. 25), one can be entertained but not really informed by this somewhat foolish comparative exercise.

Pete Wilson, undeniably, was an outstanding mayor and public leader. But that was 40 years ago. I prefer to look at Mayor Sanders in the more reflective light of the recent eight years and the problems he inherited and confronted, and judge him in his own right.

His many accomplishments, particularly in working to solve the severely flawed financial condition of the city, reflect extraordinary skill. He continuously and progressively moved forward to do what was right without any regard to how his decisions and policies would best position him for another elective office. The respect and trust he earned, and his impeccable character, enabled him to arrive at well-reasoned and pragmatic solutions that were critical for San Diego’s recovery. And he accomplished all this when often he was met by hostile individuals who were more preoccupied with their individual egos than their concern for the common good.

For those of you who encouraged Mr. Sanders to run for mayor eight years ago, and for those of you who helped elect him to two terms, you should all be very proud today! – Si Coleman, Encinitas

U-T San Diego recently assessed Mayor Sanders' tenure (“Sanders: Departing mayor leaves his mark on San Diego,” Nov. 25). Your review was significant, in part, because of what was left out. The omission was no mention of Mayor Sanders’ contribution toward curbing greenhouse gases to mitigate the effects of global warming. He has been a leader in this field and his efforts should have been heralded.

This month, as mandated by AB 32, a carbon market began quietly and without fuss in California. It is the second-largest carbon market in the world. Mayor Sanders supported that legislation. Before its implementation, AB 32 was challenged by Proposition 23 which would have gutted the provisions setting up a cap-and-trade program and the mayor opposed, successfully, Prop. 23, permitting AB 32 to come into effect.

In addition, Mayor Sanders has been a strong proponent of green and sustainable businesses, making San Diego one of the leaders in this field.

You should rightly be proud of his efforts, and the U-T was remiss in not including his efforts in reducing the effects of the most important environmental issue of our time. – Art Cooley, founding trustee, Environmental Defense Fund, La Jolla

Tax high-frequency trading

In response to “Appreciating innovation and a liquid stock market” (Business, Nov. 25): What if there was a way to substantially increase tax revenues and help the middle class at the same time?

The S&P 500 Index is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities markets. If you had been invested in these stocks you would have lost money on their value over the past 12 years. What has happened to the stock market during this period? The most significant change has been the emergence of high-frequency traders. They now account for over two-thirds of trading volume every day. They have caused the public to lose confidence in the integrity of stock market because stocks are not allowed to grow based on traditional methods for evaluating equity investments. Quoted share prices have become no more than the reflection of the headlines of the day such as the current “fiscal cliff” saga. High-frequency traders make money trading stocks whether they go up or down. The more they go up and down (volatility) and the more volume; the more money they make.

What would alter this terrible middle-class investment situation and substantially increase tax revenues to the government? It is estimated that charging a small per-share transaction tax on every stock trade would eliminate most high-frequency trading profits and allow the stock market to grow again. In the past, when this proposal is made, Wall Street rises up and brings its overwhelming influence to kill it. Wall Street is just making too much money to let it go without a fight. However, this is a much bigger fight for the middle class so that they have a chance again for growth investing their IRA, 401(k), mutual funds, private and public pensions and brokerage accounts.

“Wall Street should no longer get a free ride on the public’s dime.” – Cliff Lindroth, San Diego

Punish the act

In her U-T article “Military women face injustice” (Opinion, Nov. 24), Joellen Oslund writes of her concern of “inequality” of military women involved in rape or incest.

A picture came to my mind of a farmer coming uninvited into his neighbor’s field and planting a crop. When the owner of the field saw this beautiful crop sprouting in his property he was angry to have been taken advantage of but realized that destroying the crop would be a great loss of this new life. His neighbor deserved the punishment.

To me this can relate to a rape. If you want to kill the new innocent life then would you kill the rapist also. He’s the aggressor, not this new child. – Theresa Byrne, Oceanside

Tax with care

H.L. Mencken said, “Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want and deserve to get it good and hard.”

A case in point is our past election, where it looks like Obama voters will get what they voted for, namely higher taxes on the rich. Polls tell us that a majority of Americans favor this, never mind that the upper 5 percent already pay 58 percent of all income taxes and the proportion who pay no income tax at all is approaching 50 percent. Since the tax increases liberals lust for follow the “Buffett Rule,” i.e., taxes tilted toward investment income, they will have the effect of discouraging investment, the engine for new plants and businesses that create jobs.

So, Obama voters, if you don’t have a job, don’t complain. What you got is the satisfaction of knowing that the government is “sticking it to the rich.” Besides, you got food stamps. – Robert Harrington, Vista

Settling the table for decay

In response to “On ‘Lincoln’ and politics” by David Brooks (Opinion, Nov. 24): The fiscal cliff will be easy since we’ve already gone over the moral cliff. NY Times elevates moral relativism, justification for doing the wrong thing, to character building without comment on the kind of character that results.

Brooks cites Lincoln’s “play(ing) each potential convert” (to end slavery by the 13th Amendment), including the toughest part, “to get the true believers to say things they don’t believe in order not to offend the waverers who are needed to get the amendment passed.” Also stated as ideals necessary “to do more good in politics than in any other sphere” are staining one’s own character, bamboozling, trimming compromise and being slippery and hypocritical. This combines high moral vision with courage, building the kind of character necessary for the grand political changes.

Brooks admires all of the corrupt action taken to make the 13th Amendment a reality, justifying a greater good not only permits moral decay, it is required. That is how we got Obamacare and dictatorial rule by Obama’s illegal executive orders, and the lost rights such as freedom of religion. In some circles it is called thuggery, theft, lying, cheating, buying votes, breaking the presidential solemn oath to uphold the laws, unethical. A new morality this is not; it’s the oldest political game in the world – plain old corruption. Only the NY Times would elevate this to political character building. – Noel Spaid, Del Mar

Unraveling the power playbook

In response to “State regulators intend to rein in power use and avoid building plants” (Business, Nov. 24): Cut back on energy produced by existing power plants and prevent building two new power plants now on the drawing board – that’s how regulators plan to “rein in power use.” Perfect. Regulators make less power available for use and – voilà! – less power will be used.

Throw in “New financing mechanisms intended to make home energy efficiency savings accessible to lower middle-income residents, including those who rent apartments in multifamily buildings” and regulators have us all close to zero power use.

Add the requirement that regulators will hold power plants accountable for reduced use with costs passed on to consumers and there you have utopia. Consumers, that’s us folks, footing the bill for getting to nearly zero power use. And what about those new financing mechanisms? There is nothing really new there. Consumers, that’s us folks, pay for a whole lot of nothing.

Time was our elected rulers and our appointed regulators planned to make life better, more comfortable, for people. The 1960s saw the beginning of the end to that effort. Making people miserable was thereafter pursued with ever increasing zeal until we have the plans we see afoot today.

All such planning comes to us under the guise of saving the planet. Do we need these stringent efforts? Not hardly! The Earth has warmed and cooled time and time again in the millions of years since its creation. For most of those years no bad old man even existed either to add to warming or to add to cooling and man’s contribution today is minuscule in the great scheme of things.

Why, then, the push to get us out of our cars and jam us into public transportation and from there to jam us into 200 square foot apartments like those recently approved in San Francisco – all the while planning for insufficient power to heat us when it is cold and insufficient power to cool us when it is hot?

Why indeed? Isn’t it long past time to stop this headlong rush into planned misery; time to plan instead for positive quality of life? – Elizabeth Arnold, Santee

Nothing ‘special’ about fire tax

I am a resident of San Diego County who has been sent a special fire assessment tax bill.

I feel like I already pay my fair share of taxes for fire, police, schools, roads, etc. It doesn’t seem fair to me that the government can impose a special tax assessment, without popular vote, based on where a person lives. The taxes I pay may need a higher allocation for fire protection then city residences but there are other services that I need less of such as police and education. If it is legal to assess a special tax based on where a person lives, then residents in high crime areas can expect a special tax assessment for police and area’s with high numbers of children can expect special tax assessment bills for education or how about a special tax assessment for aging services in areas with high elderly populations.

The power this special tax gives to government is limitless. If the people in the city don’t think this affects them, just wait a few years. – Helen Humphries, Lakeside

A predictable reaction

How predictable that the U-T would run a front-page story on how their anointed mayoral candidate, Carl DeMaio, lost the race (“DeMaio calls for a GOP renewal,” Nov. 24). And how predictable that DeMaio would blame everyone from his own Republican party, Latinos and even his own community (LGBT) for his loss. Perish the thought that the loss was because no one, even his own community, liked DeMaio or his politics.

And is the U-T going to publish stories from other candidates who ran for various offices and lost, allowing them the same right to voice why they feel they lost? Don’t hold your breath. – W.F. Reed, San Diego

Target other pollutants

In response to “Ignoring history – and risk – of AB32” (Editorial, Nov. 21): We shouldn’t ignore nature, either. CO2 in the atmosphere is beneficial. There are stories in the newspapers every day about the bad environmental effects of fossil fuels, always saying carbon and mercury are bad, very bad. But scientists know that CO2 is not a pollutant and the amount added to the atmosphere in the last 70 years is beneficial. Studies show, with certainty, that plants prosper now much better than before, when there was less CO2. So mankind prospers from more CO2; he prospers a great deal.

Let’s don’t worry about China building a coal-burning plant each week. But go after mercury, soot, NOx, and S with a vengeance, as the EPA does. And get China and India to do the same. – Vernon Arthur Cornell, Tierrasanta

The Copley legacy

I am confused by content of the front page obituary for David Copley (“Former U-T publisher dies after car crash,” Nov. 21). If the writers had done their research they would have known that there are two living Copley children from Jim Copley’s prior marriage. The writers gave the impression that David was the only child of Jim Copley. For those of us who are friends of Michael Copley and his family, this omission is offensive. I think it would be fabulous if the writers wrote an article letting San Diego know how the Copley legacy is still alive and well with Michael, his sister Jan and their families. – Michelle Magarian White, Point Loma